News / Ian MacLeod Distillers Acquires Edinburgh Gin

13/09/2016 Ian MacLeod Distillers Acquires Edinburgh Gin

Ian Macleod Distillers has taken ownership of the well-established and fast-growing Spencerfield Spirit Company, including its flagship brand, Edinburgh Gin.

This follows a long-standing arrangement with Ian Macleod as the exclusive distributors of Edinburgh Gin and Spencerfield Spirit’s whisky range of Pig’s Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feathery in the UK. Ian Macleod will now take full ownership of the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio with all brands being transferred with immediate effect.

Production of Edinburgh Gin will continue at the distillery and visitor centre on Rutland Place in Edinburgh and at their second distillery at The Biscuit Factory in Leith.

Following the takeover for an undisclosed sum, Edinburgh Gin’s founders Alex and Jane Nicol will continue to work with the brands during a transition period. The acquisition secures all jobs and Ian Macleod Distillers plan to make further investment in the Spencerfield portfolio.

Leonard Russell, Managing Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “This announcement is great news for both companies and further strengthens our portfolio of premium spirit brands.

“Spencerfield Spirit Company and Ian Macleod Distillers are both family-run businesses, with firm commitments to quality spirit production. Edinburgh Gin will be a great addition to our existing brand portfolio which includes Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Smokehead and Isle of Skye whiskies and Atlantico Rum.

“Edinburgh Gin is a multi-award winning, small-batch gin at the forefront of the gin renaissance in the UK. We are eager to build upon this foundation and the success of the Nicol family.”

Edinburgh Gin - under the parent company Spencerfield Spirit - was established in 2010 by Alex and Jane Nicol. The success and growth of Edinburgh Gin is well documented. The core range has been consistently awarded International Wine and Spirits (IWSC) medals including, Gold in 2015 for Cannonball Edinburgh Gin and Silver Outstanding for Edinburgh Gin in 2016.

Winners of the 2014 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards for Best Small Business, and named Scotland’s fastest growing gin brand by Nielsen Scantrack in 2015, such recognition has lead the company to expand into a second distillery and quadruple production, with enough spirit to make over 2.5 million Gin & Tonics each year.

Edinburgh Gin Founder, Alex Nicol said: “The acquisition came along at the right time for Spencerfield Spirit. We have built a solid partnership with Ian Macleod Distillers over the last three years and feel they are in an excellent position to take forward Edinburgh Gin and the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio. We look forward to working with them over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the momentum in growth.

“Ian Macleod Distillers is the perfect home for Edinburgh Gin’s future. The company shares our family values and artisanal approach to production and we look forward to working with them to maximise its potential”.